PHOTO GALLERY, VIDEO: Savage storm lashed Gunnedah shire - Namoi Valley Independent

UPDATED: A FEROCIOUS storm has lashed the Gunnedah Shire, bringing wild winds, hail and lightning that left a trail of destruction in its wake.

Winds of up to 106km/hr yesterday afternoon brought down dozens of trees which cut 

the Kamilaroi Highway south of Curlewis, along with many roads and the rail line at Gunnedah. 

More than 11,000 households across the New England north-west area lost power, with hundreds in the Gunnedah area still without power this morning.

Garden sheds were twisted and tossed into fences and neighbours’ yards, while trampolines could be seen tumbling across the town – one of which travelled more than 500 metres along Wandobah Road. 

At least seven trampolines were thrown onto the rail track, which was closed for 45 minutes between the coal loader on the Boggabri Road and Curlewis with trains waiting at both ends. 

The State Emergency Service (SES) helped remove them off the line as well as other debris, with the help of the Australian Rail Track Corporation.

The SES has received over 30 calls for help  in Gunnedah when the storm struck at 5.40pm yesterday, including seven jobs where tree limbs had fallen onto roofs in Bando, King and Short streets. 

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